Assessment of the potential health risks in the
surroundings of a planned asphalt plant in Meppel, The Netherlands

Abstract:

An investigation to assess health risks and odour annoyance was
commissioned by the Province of Drenthe in response to concern of
residents about possible health effects due to emissions from a planned
asphalt plant near Meppel. Data from emission measurements on other
asphalt plants were used to calculate the concentrations and deposition
of hazardous compounds (including fine particles and PAHs) in the area of
the planned plant using an air dispersion model. Odour concentration
levels were calculated as well. Levels of hazardous compound were
calculated for both the average situation and worst-case conditions. The
exposure of residents to compounds emitted from the asphalt plant was
quantified and compared to toxicological limits. The results showed that
the concentrations and deposition of emitted compounds scarcely exceed
background levels in rural and urban areas. The exposure of residents
and employees of companies in the surrounding area is below the
toxicological guidelines. Also, the expected odour concentration levels
do not exceed the limits for odour annoyance. Hence, no unacceptable
odour annoyance is expected.

An investigation to assess health risks and odour annoyance was
commissioned by the Province of Drenthe in response to concern of
residents about possible health effects due to emissions from a planned
asphalt plant near Meppel. Data from emission measurements on other
asphalt plants were used to calculate the concentrations and deposition
of hazardous compounds (including fine particles and PAHs) in the area of
the planned plant using an air dispersion model. Odour concentration
levels were calculated as well. Levels of hazardous compound were
calculated for both the average situation and worst-case conditions. The
exposure of residents to compounds emitted from the asphalt plant was
quantified and compared to toxicological limits. The results showed that
the concentrations and deposition of emitted compounds scarcely exceed
background levels in rural and urban areas. The exposure of residents
and employees of companies in the surrounding area is below the
toxicological guidelines. Also, the expected odour concentration levels
do not exceed the limits for odour annoyance. Hence, no unacceptable
odour annoyance is expected.